With USC defensive coordinator Clancy Pendergast back after a two-year absence, it means the secondary is once again learning a different technique for pass coverages.

The past two seasons the Trojans employed techniques favored by former USC coach Pete Carroll. Critics would say the problem was Carroll not being around to coach his techniques. His priority is to eliminate long touchdown passes while reacting to the receiver without initiating contact.

Pendergast brings his own style, which players hope will be more aggressive.

“We are doing a lot more man-to-man stuff (and less zone),” cornerback Iman Marshall said. “We’re trying to disrupt (pass) routes. We are doing little stuff to trap receivers and keep the quarterback and offense off balance.”

Whether it works better remains to be seen. Former defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox drew the ire of USC fans, but Pendergast was the defensive coordinator in 2013 when the Trojans’ defense allowed 62 points against Arizona State.

It should also be noted that cornerback Adoree Jackson is not participating in spring drills to concentrate on track and field, so he will need to work on these techniques during summer training camp.

“I thought it was the quarterbacks’ best day,” Helton said. “All of them. There were a lot of accurate throws down the field.”

USC is throwing more over the middle and to the tight end during practices.

“We’re catching a lot of passes, which is cool,” tight end Daniel Imatorbhebhe said.

Possible role for Felix

Linebacker Scott Felix lost his NCAA appeal Friday after testing positive during a drug test after the Holiday Bowl. Felix said he took an over-the-counter supplement. The NCAA does not approve any supplement products and Felix’s USC career is over.

But Helton said Saturday he would explore the possibility of Felix being a scout-team player next season.

Music ban continues

Perhaps the biggest change Helton has made is the elimination of playing music over the loudspeakers during certain parts of practices, which was standard under previous coaches Lane Kiffin and Steve Sarkisian.

“One of the reasons we’ve eliminated the music, especially at this time, you look at how many young guys there are on this football team,” Helton said. “It’s not only about getting the physical rep, but it’s about the young kid getting the mental rep on the sideline and hearing the coach make the coaching point and playing the mental rep on the sideline.

“A lot of times, you can’t do that when the music is thumping in your ear. There’s a time for that. Pregame, great. After the game, get that music. But in this setting, it’s all about ball. It’s about us playing the game we love and getting better with techniques and fundamentals. That’s what spring ball is.”

Injury report

Offensive tackle Chad Wheeler left practice with a sprained ankle, while cornerback Jonathan Lockett is out with concussion symptoms. Offensive tackle Chuma Edoga experienced soreness in his wrist.

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